Sigma 50mm f/1.4 'Art' on Sony E-mount: re-review with high resolution test

When I tested this lens years ago on Canon EF mount, the highest resolution full-frame camera I owned was a 20 megapixel Canon 6D. In preparation for a series of videos on the sharpest lenses I've ever tested, here are its test results on a 42 megapixel Sony a7R II.

Find it here (Amazon affiliate links - be sure to get the right lens for your system):

All pictures shot by me on a Sony a7R II, Canon 6D and EOS M3 cameras.

Equipment I use to make my videos (Amazon affiliate links):

Music:
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

[mchlhth]

I remember being floored by the image quality of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art on a 24MP DSLR when I borrowed a copy shortly after it came out to use with my Nikon D600. I was afraid that it would fall to pieces on a higher resolution sensor, but it seems that Sigma glimpsed into the future and realized they had to at least make their optics good enough for 50MP, like the Canon 5DS. Unfortunately, they also helped start the trend of big, heavy primes, which I found off-putting. Still, I'm glad to see this lens is a good buy in 2020, regardless of lens mount. Thanks, Chris!

[IanWilkinson]

I wonder how long before Sigma updates this lens to a small version, just as they did recently with the 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art.

[classic.cameras]

I just love this lens. I bought it for my Canon EF and then use it all the time on my Sony via MC-11 adapter. I keep wanting to "upgrade" this lens but I have to tell myself that UNLESS I buy say the Sony 50mm f1.2 GM, there is no upgrade I want to do. Its a absolute bargain especially used for ANY users and Sony users, buy the EF version for cheap and get the MC-11 adapter. It works natively.

[JamesClark]

Sharper than I expected and 40cm close focus is such an awesome feature. If they make a smaller mirrorless version of this lens I'll be all over it.

[KingDarius]

Chris comes through again. Great review.

[kavan]

Thank you for your reviews. I really appreciate your honest and detalied reviews. I wish one day you could review Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f:1.4

[robertcudlipp]

Chris, thanks for another of your expert and super practical reviews.
My base gear, now for some years, has been a Canon 6D together with a mix of Canon L glass and Sigma Art wide angle zooms for landscape shots.
Recently, a friend upgraded her Sony AR ( first iteration), but gave me the body as was not happy with the trade in price.
Only looking for one lens for the pixel packed A7 R and the 50 mm focal length will be all I need.
This looks like an ideal choice.
Also, very pleased for you that your viewer base has continued to increase. A proper reward for your excellent work.

[xkben]

I'm glad I got this lens (for Canon mount though) last December on Ebay. I just checked the prices, and it looks like they are running $150-200 higher than what I paid for.

[johna.benigno]

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that e-mails from YouTube alerting us to new tutorials have not been coming through of late. I am subscribed, and the "bell" is set to all.

[A.A]

I owned one back in 2015, the image quality was the best I've seen but I eventually got rid of it because of its size and weight. I used it a lot less than I would like, missing out pictures in the end. I now have a lighter setup which I take out the bag much more. But I still miss the image quality of that Sigma.

[simone.]

A crystal Pepsi with a date of nov.06.17 ! 3:44 where do you get that !? i want one !
nice lens review btw ;D.

[alessandroselvaggio]

I'm curious to see a review of the sigma 50-150mm for apsc. Maybe sigma will loan it for a week for testing

[Midane]

I'm curious if the 35mm and 50mm Sigma lenses will receive the DG DN treatment like the recently released 85mm version. Would be great to see those lenses in a even smaller body. Do it Sigma! ^_^

[TWX]

I just wish that Sigma would've actually redesigned the thing for mirrorless, it looks like they just stuck an extension on the lens mount to stick the lens the same distance from the sensor as the older EF-mount. When I look at Canon lenses designed specifically for the EOS M series, they're so much smaller than DSLR lenses for equivalent focal lengths that it makes buying into that system worthwhile. If the lens is just as big as the DSLR lens though, or arguably larger because of the mount/flange, one may as well buy the DSLR version because it can then be used on both mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

[stefan_becker]

Nice review! Personally I think this lens is a unnecessarily large and heavy lens with outdated focus mechanics - at least for mirrorless cameras. Furthermore the bokeh can be a little bit "clinical" in my option. I'd pick the Sony Zeiss 50mm 1.4 any day over the 50mm Sigma Art. I'd also expect the lens to be replaced by a more compact modern design that is optimized for mirrorless cameras soon.

[YoureTerminatedFckr]

Thank you for the review. I think I'd prefer the smaller form factor of the Zony 55 1.8

[akibabdullah]

Hi, Greetings from Canada. I am planning on buying a telephoto lens. Sony 70-350 is now cheaper (900 CAD). I also have my eyes on Tamaron 70-180 f2.8. but that one doesn't have IIS. Would you please do a review on the Tamaron and a comparison if possible. I'd be delighted. Thanks

[ianzhao]

Hi Chris, how does its af motor compare to the ef mount 20mm, 24mm as well as the newer 40mm, 28mm? I want to control them via Teradek RT Smartknob for focus pulling electronically in camera for video because comparing to the sigma ff cine primes, they have a much shorter focus pull when focused by hand. So smooth focus transition through the motor is a must. Thanks

[simonleung]

I can't wait for the 135mm revision! Wonder if Sigma would rework that like the 85mm?

[Glasairman]

Hi Chris, I love you vids and Sigma too ( I have the 35mm ART DG DN). I am planning to buy a premium 50/55mm and am waiting for the DG DN version of the ART 50mm which I had hoped would be released on 1.June as rumoured but it didnt happen. Do you have any insider info ? Otherwise I am going for Zeiss 55mm as the Sigma HSM vesion will drop in value too much. The Sigma guys in Munich recently hinted that it my be coming soon